The variety of music used for ballroom dancing is an avenue for exposure to the different musical styles and genres. Such exposure may promote improved societal awareness
There is no doubt that Ballroom Dancing in general is an ‘in’ thing nowadays. The successes of the “Dancing with the Stars” franchise in numerous countries as well as movies like “Shall We Dance” are proof enough of the ballroom craze.
Much of the appeal of ballroom dancing comes from the workout aspect. In a sense, ballroom dancing is a fun form of exercise. One gets to burn calories without the tedious boring cycles of going to the gym running on treadmills, completing a set number of crunches, performing push-ups, lifting weights or anything like that. At long lasr, one can literally have fun while doing something important like keeping fit and healthy. In addition, anybody can get into ballroom dancing.
But then again, an equally important aspect of the popularity of the ballroom craze comes from the music. Ballroom music has evolved so much to the point that just about any musical genre can be used for ballroom dancing. Given the right arrangement, Ballroom establishments could actually use songs that range from the tried and tested Latin music, revivals of the classics, and even Hip-Hop.
Exposure therefore to a wide variety of songs is inevitable. It is very possible for an old couple could to be dancing to Pussy Cat Dolls’ “Beep” or “Don’t Cha”. The reverse also holds true where younger people could be dancing to the tunes of Glenn Miller.
Perhaps, the Ballroom craze is unconsciously serving a different purpose other than just the lure of a fun workout. The exposure to different kinds of music from different eras composed by musicians of diverse cultures has become an avenue for learning. It is the learning of a renewed appreciation for music in general.
It is a given that people will be naturally biased with the music of their time and of their specific demography. In any family, the musical preference of parents usually differs from that of their children. The older generation will think of their time as an unbeatable ‘golden age’. The younger generation thinks of the former as passé favoring the more modern touch.
However, in the ballroom scene, the ‘times’ don’t seem to exist. If an arrangement is danceable, that arrangement can be used. Hence, everyone is given a chance to experience the diverse mix of music presented. As a result, a person becomes more exposed to music that that person may not have been interested in to begin with. And with that exposure, perhaps a new found awareness and appreciation is established.
